Colts avoid potential Jonathan Taylor headache ahead of preseason

It was no secret that Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor wanted to sign a contract extension that would give him a pay raise before the 2026 NFL season got underway. 

The Colts gave Taylor millions of reasons to be happy one week before their preseason opener at the New England Patriots on Aug. 13. 

What Colts gave Jonathan Taylor ahead of the preseason

On Thursday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed that the Colts and Taylor agreed to a two-year, $44M extension that has a maximum value of $47M and includes $39M in guarantees. In 2023, Taylor didn't play until Week 5 of the season and until after he inked a three-year, $42M contract extension that included $26.5M guaranteed. Barring an unexpected development, he should now be in the Colts' lineup for their Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13. 

Per ESPN stats, Taylor ended the 2025 regular season with league highs of 18 rushing touchdowns and 323 carries. He was third with 1,585 rushing yards, and he also contributed 46 receptions for 378 yards and a pair of touchdowns. 

Jonathan Taylor deal could impact one noteworthy contract standoff

The Atlanta Falcons recently made Bijan Robinson the highest-paid running back in NFL history when they signed him to a three-year, $75M extension that included $51M guaranteed. Meanwhile, James Boyd of The Athletic noted that Taylor is now second among running backs in terms of average annual value attached to a contract. 

Presumably, the Taylor agreement could impact contract talks between Jahmyr Gibbs and the Detroit Lions. Gibbs has been holding in and not practicing during training camp amid his desire for a big-money extension, and it's possible that he wants to become the league's new highest-paid ball-carrier. 

Throughout the first week of August, Gibbs has not appeared to be in any rush to accept a deal that includes less money than he has asked for amid negotiations. History shows that Taylor getting something done could help the Lions finalize an agreement with Gibbs, but that may not be the case if Gibbs truly wants to reset the market for players at the position.